Monday, 23 June 2008

Massive Attack BUG Special at the BFI

I went along to the BFI on Thursday last week to see the Massive Attack BUG video special.

See my first post for more information on what BUG is all about. It was another excellent show with the sound problems of BUG07 a distant memory. I hadn't seen any Massive Attack videos prior to going but suspected they may be mostly dark, claustrophobic affairs. This certainly was the case with the videos for tracks from their 3rd and 4th albums. However, the videos for their earlier work reflect the lighter mood of the music. In particular the video by Bailie Walsh for 'Unfinished Sympathy' is a classic, featuring Shara Nelson walking through downtown Los Angeles.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the evening was just hearing the tracks at loud volume - especially the evocative, widescreen, layered opacity of the tracks from 1998's Mezzanine.

Host Adam Buxton was very funny as usual (and brought the usual selection of amusing youtube comments). Check out his youtube page for some of his recent stuff (including parts of 'Meebox' his pilot for the Big British Castle, which is funny - especially if you are a fan of A. Buxton).

Sadly BUG08 is sold out but I will aim to get back on board for BUG09 later in the year.